Although a balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables will provide the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health, having a balanced diet will not in itself clear your skin and 'cure' your acne.

Zit

Mythbuster

#31

Sunlight, sun-baking or solariums will improve acne.

Sun exposure can cause inflamed spots to turn dark brown. It will also cause premature wrinkles, other signs of aged skin, skin growths and skin cancers. Although some people with acne notice a small improvement in their acne during summer, the benefits of extra exposure to sunlight are at best small, while the risks are large.

Zit

Mythbuster

#62

Acne is not hereditary

Not true! Some traits do 'run in the family'. Studies show that the likelihood of acne is greater in people whose parents or siblings have also had acne.

Zit

Mythbuster

#68

Steroids won't cause acne

Anabolic steroids illicitly used for bodybuilding often cause acne and are linked to more severe forms of acne seen in some men.

Zit

Mythbuster

#39

Acne is caused by allergies

There is no evidence that acne has any connection with any allergic reactions you may have.

Zit

Mythbuster

#56

Acne is caused by poor hygiene

Acne happens when the oil glands (pores) in the skin become blocked. Hormones make the oil glands produce more oil (sebum) and if the pores are blocked, a build-up occurs and you've got acne. It is not caused by poor hygiene, however keeping your skin clean will help acne.

Zit

Mythbuster

#47

Blackheads are just dirt. You can wash acne away.

Too much scrubbing of your skin can further irritate the skin and trigger inflammation. You can't wash acne away!

Zit

Mythbuster

#40

Acne is contagious

Acne cannot be 'caught' or transmitted from one person to another. Touching a pimple and then touching someone else on the skin will not increase their chances of forming a pimple.

Zit

Mythbuster

#53

Pregnancy will help acne

Not true. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or with stopping or starting oral contraceptives can cause acne in some people.

Zit

Mythbuster

#16

Eating chocolate causes acne

No - chocolate doesn't cause acne! Although diet is important, in many cases having a good diet alone will not 'cure' acne.

Zit

Mythbuster

#24

Too much, or too little sex makes acne worse

Acne has no connection between too much or too little sex.

Zit

Mythbuster

#51

Masturbation causes acne or makes acne worse

Masturbation will not cause acne or make acne worse.

Zit

Mythbuster

#33

Sweat from exercise causes acne

Not true - although it is always a good idea to cleanse your face after hot, sweaty activities.

Psych up for questions about mood changes

Published: 22 August 2016

People requiring treatment for severe acne can expect their doctors to ask about their mental health before and during any treatment with the acne medication isotretinoin (e.g. Oratane, Roaccutane).

While it is one of the most effective treatments for severe acne, isotretinoin use has been linked to possible side effects such as depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior in some people. However research has struggled to tease out the contribution of mood changes caused by living with severe acne itself - irrespective of the type of treatment.

A recent UK report about isotretinoin, endorsed by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has reiterated the advice that acne can be associated with mental health disorders, regardless of whether or not isotretinoin treatment is used.

The UK report also emphasised that because of its potential for severe side effects, isotretinoin should only be prescribed for people with severe cystic acne who have not responded to other treatment options.

Melbourne dermatologist and All About Acne spokesperson Dr Mei Tam said isotretinoin was a very effective acne treatment.

“We have had years of experience with isotretinoin now and most people can use it safely and expect good results. The most common side effects such as dry, sensitive and irritated skin can be alleviated by the use of moisturisers.”

“One of the other potential problems is that acne can initially flare up with isotretinoin use and look worse before it gets better. That can be very distressing for young people who are desperate for clear skin,” she said.

Dr Tam said Australian doctors were well aware of the importance of screening and monitoring acne patients for mental health issues but family and friends can play a role too.

“We know that physical scars aren’t the only consequence of severe acne. Acne can erode people’s self esteem and contribute to depressed mood so it’s really important to ask how someone is feeling and to raise any concerns they have about mental health.”

For more information on isotretinoin, talk to a doctor or pharmacist or read the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) about the prescribed medicine.